England fast bowler Mark Wood has wondered if he will only return to white-ball cricket during his long layoff with an elbow injury.
Wood played his first Test since March in England’s decisive win over Pakistan in Multan.
It was also the 32-year-old’s first since captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum took charge.
“I desperately wanted to experience this, with Stokesy and Brendon. I’m glad I persevered,” Wood said.
Wood has a history of injury issues, particularly an ankle issue that required multiple surgeries.
He has missed the entire summer at home this year after undergoing two elbow surgeries.
The Durham man made his return in time for the T20 World Cup but a hip injury saw him miss the semi-final and final as England lifted the trophy in Australia. It also ruled him out of England’s win in the first Test in Pakistan.
“I was wondering if I would just go for the white ball. At some point my body will say that’s the way to go,” said Wood, who was also part of the England team that won the World Cup of 50 years in 2019. .
Wood’s crucial three wickets on the final day at Multan helped England secure a 26-point victory that gave them an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
England have never won two Tests in an away series against Pakistan and haven’t beaten them outside the UK for 22 years.
“Over the next few days we’ll realize how good it was to win here 2-0,” Wood said.
“We showed immense skill but everyone put in the effort. It wasn’t one game, it was two of maximum effort. I’m really proud that we gave it our all.
“The word in the dressing room is that we want to entertain and do things differently. So to do things differently and write it down in the history books is a fantastic feeling, especially here because nobody comes here and does that. “
England had won just once in 17 Tests when Stokes took over as captain, but have now won in eight of nine matches since taking control. The all-rounder has won accolades not only for his results, but also for his inspiring leadership and creative tactics.
Former England skipper Mike Atherton told Sky Sports: “He will be one of our greatest captains by the time he finishes. I can’t think of another captain who has had such a dramatic and immediate impact on his taking office.”
Wood played with and against Durham teammate Stokes in junior cricket.
“He’s always had a fantastic cricketing brain,” Wood said. “The way he behaves and the messages he sends, he’s so much more balanced than when we were growing up.
“He was that alpha guy who hit him, never backed down. He still has all that, but he has other sides of him now.
“He’ll put an arm around people, express what he wants to say in a very articulate way – I didn’t think he had some of the words in his locker. He’s been world class.”
